With so many Instagrammable spots in London, how do you pick the perfect ones? Check out our list and choose your favourites to get started.Â
Bringing in over 30 million tourists annually, London is the home to royal landmarks, romantic escapes, fantastic food, and of course, Christmas markets. But with so many incredible locations and experiences around the city, finding the best Instagrammable spots in London can be a daunting challenge. Â
Here, we will go through all the best and unmissable spots to showcase through your camera lens so that you can make the most of your trip and get those Instagram shots that stick with you.
Before you book your trip, learn about the must-see landmarks in London, what you will wish you knew before visiting, and a step-by-step travel guide if you have never visited England’s capital before. You might also be interested in our useful packing guide and see how to choose the perfect hotel room for your stay.
Why London is a Photographer’s Dream
London is full of locations that will take your breath away. While it can get difficult to get around, using cabs or an Uber will definitely make the trip that much easier, especially if you need to carry equipment for your photography excursions. Please just remember that things like tripods are not always allowed, and some areas are not suited to tripod use because of how busy they can get.Â
Whether you want to spend the day photographing amazing locations on your phone or on a professional setup, you can have a lot of fun in every corner of the city. From pubs and cafés to the classic names like the Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, you can spend days finding the best spots throughout the year.Â
The Top 10 Instagrammable Spots in London
London offers countless Instagrammable spots, from iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge to hidden gems like Neal’s Yard, perfect for capturing stunning photos. However, if you know where to look, or are happy to spend the day wandering the city, you can easily come across dozens of gems that are worth capturing.Â
It’s difficult to pick just a few spots around London that deserve your camera lens. Depending on what you like and the time of year, there will be spots that outshine others, and you will quickly notice this. If you love unique gems, some of the cafés will be at the top of your list, and if you love the classics, you can’t afford to skip a trip to the Elizabeth Tower and the London Eye.
Top 5 must-visit Instagrammable spots in London:
- Tower Bridge
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Peggy Porschen
- The Shard
- Sky Garden
If You Want Iconic…
Our three favourite iconic Instagrammable spots in London are the Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Big Ben. These are larger than life and absolutely unmissable if you love London history – so be sure to enjoy them to the fullest with tours, as well!
Tower Bridge
Opened in June 1894, Tower Bridge is probably the most recognisable symbol of London today. With lots of incredible opportunities to get the perfect picture, we recommend trying each location we’ve listed below, and see what magic you can capture.Â
OPTION 1
Where: from the Tower of London
When: sunrise between December–January
Location: Tower Bridge
OPTION 2
Where: the Girl With the Dolphin Fountain
When: sunrise
Location: Girl with a DolphinÂ
OPTION 3
Where: Butler’s Wharf (opposite Le Pont De La Tour or Butler’s Wharf Chop House)
When: early morning
Location: Butler’s Wharf
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is another unmissable spot in London for any photographer at heart. With lots of fantastic photo ops, you are going to want to take your time when capturing this spectacle that was completed in 1710.
OPTION 1
Where: London’s South Bank
When: late night or early morning
Location: South BankÂ
OPTION 2
Where: Tate Modern viewing platform
When: night
Location: Tate Modern Blavatnik Building Viewing LevelÂ
Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower)
As one of the most memorable locations in London, Big Ben (or, the Elizabeth Tower, as it was renamed in 2012), is a must-see spot for anyone visiting the capital. Completed in 1859, this clock tower is a monument that is difficult to ignore, and definitely worth a photo or two.
Where: London’s South Bank
When: sunset in the summer and winter
Location: Westminster BridgeÂ
For Nature’s Beauty
There are so many incredible parks around London that everyone needs to visit at least once. Our two favourite Instagrammable parks in London are Hyde Park and Richmond Park, particularly in the spring and summer, when you can truly enjoy the full extent of what they have to offer.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is full of luscious landscapes and opportunities for fun in the sun. Take your time and stroll through the lanes to find the perfect location and snap a picture worthy of royalty.
Where: find your personal favourite spot
When: spring and summer
Location: Hyde ParkÂ
Richmond Park
As one of the eight Royal Parks in London, Richmond Park is full of scenic views and Instagram opportunities for nature lovers. Find the right spot and catch the perfect light, and you will capture the scene of a lifetime.
Where: find your personal favourite spot
When: spring and summer
Location: Richmond ParkÂ
Cafés and Restaurants
If you’re a foodie with a love of photography, these locations are must-sees. Our top picks are Peggy Prschen and The Coppa Club each with a unique look and something for everyone to love throughout the year
Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen offers something whimsical and colourful that everyone can fall in love with. It’s the perfect photo op, as well as the ideal place to enjoy a sweet treat with their festive and fun cupcakes and desserts.
Where: in front of the establishment
When: year-round
Location: Peggy Porschen Belgravia LtdÂ
Coppa Club
Enjoy the view of the River Thames from unique igloo-like domes and dig into fantastic dishes that will blow you away. Cosy and serene, there are photo opportunities galore here, as well as the perfect chance to make memories with loved ones.
Where: from the Coppa Club
When: sunset and night in autumn and winter
Location: Coppa Club Tower BridgeÂ
Rooftop Views
If you are looking for unmissable rooftop locations, stop by The Shard and Sky Garden for a day you will never forget. Boasting of wonderful views and even better photography opportunities, these accessible spots are must-see gems for everyone.
The Shard
Made up of 72 storeys, you can enjoy breathtaking views from The Shard and enjoy the scenery like never before. Whip your phone or camera out to take unforgettable shots from the tallest building in the UK.
Where: viewing deck
When: just after sunset
Location: The ShardÂ
Sky Garden
Also called the Walkie Talkie thanks to its odd shape, the Sky Garden is full of greenery that will boost your mood and offer the perfect chance for a quick getaway. Enjoy the stunning views and photographic opportunity when you book a ticket.
Where: the Sky Garden
When: just before and during sunrise in the winter
Location: Sky GardenÂ
Honourable Mentions
Because 10 just doesn’t seem like enough, enjoy these five honourable mentions that you definitely aren’t going to want to skip when you next visit London. From Neal’s Yard to the London Eye, there’s a good chance that you are going to love all of them.
Our honourable mentions:
- Neal’s Yard
- Where: from Neal’s Yard directed towards the alley and Neal’s Yard Remedies
- When: any time of day (but it might be busy)
- Location: Neal’s YardÂ
- Notting Hill
- Where: Westbourne Park Road; Biscuiteers; St. Luke’s Mews
- When: any time of day (but it might be busy)
- Location: around Notting HillÂ
- Portobello Road
- Where: Amoret Coffee;
- When: any time of day (but it might be busy)
- Location: around Portobello RdÂ
- Canary Wharf
- Where: from Blackwall Basin
- When: early morning or sunset in June or December
- Location: Blackwall BasinÂ
- The London Eye
- Where: from Waterloo Bridge
- When: Summer, golden hour
- Location: Waterloo BridgeÂ
How Crown Group of Hotels Puts You Close to the Action
Planning a trip to London? Explore the best hotels for business travellers and see everything that this lively city has to offer. Stay with Crown Group of Hotels and explore London’s most Instagrammable spots just minutes from your doorstep. Book your perfect getaway today and contact us!